Topeka girl gets double lung transplant

A 12-year-old Topeka girl has started recovering from a double-lung transplant.

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By Associated Press

Butler County Times Gazette

By Associated Press

Posted Nov. 24, 2012 at 3:45 PM

By Associated Press

Posted Nov. 24, 2012 at 3:45 PM

Topeka, Kan.

A 12-year-old Topeka girl has started recovering from a double-lung transplant.

Madison Taliaferro, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 2, had the surgery on Nov. 5 at St. Louis Children's Hospital, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported (http://bit.ly/TgKk6m ).

She recently was discharged from the hospital but has to stay in St. Louis with her parents, Desiree and Mike Taliaferro, for three months while doctors monitor her progress.

Doctors expect Madison to have to take medications for the rest of her life to fight against the rejection of her new lungs.

"The routine consists of lab draws, checking sugar and dosing insulin, IV antibiotics and pills, pills, pills. ... Before our family went on this journey, we were fully aware of the changes that would take place," Desiree Taliaferro said. "Madison basically has traded one regimen for another. I can say we are completely overwhelmed right now, but we learned how to care for our baby girl with cystic fibrosis. I know we will learn to care for our daughter with new lungs."

Madison became sick a year ago when she developed a 103-degree temperature. Her coughing increased, and she needed oxygen therapy to breathe.

In March, the family learned that Madison needed a double-lung transplant and her name was placed on a pediatric transplant list.

"Madison's life was dwindling away quickly, and now with her new lungs she has a chance to experience life being able to breathe," Taliaferro said.

At the top of Madison's wish list now is spending the night with her best friend, Parker.

"I know this is something kids are able to do on a regular basis, but for Madison she hasn't been able to experience this yet," Taliaferro said.